Wildlife knows no boundaries. So AWF has defined areas across the continent that are critical to conservation. These Priority Landscapes can cover public and private lands alike and often cross borders.

Primary Ecosystems

Population

Gallery

Overview

The “Land of a Thousand Hills” has a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda rests just below the equator and its size, while small—about the size of Maryland—has a rich geography with mountains, savannas, and many lakes. This landlocked nation is at a high altitude. It also has one of the 20 deepest lakes in the world, Lake Kivu.

In some ways, Rwanda is still recovering from its tribal conflicts and 1994 genocide. With few natural resources, the economy is based on subsistence agriculture, where farmers grow just enough food to feed their families. Coffee and tea are cash crops and one of the country’s biggest exports thanks to the high altitudes, steep slopes, and volcanic soils.

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors because Rwanda is fortunate to be one of only two countries where tourists can visit the endangered mountain gorillas safely. There are seven mountain gorilla families that tourists can visit, including Susa, the largest group with 41 mountain gorillas that also have rare 5-year-old twins. Besides gorillas, Rwanda has more than 700 kinds of birds.

There are three national parks and most of the large mammals are found here, including the Ruwenzori colobus arboreal monkeys. They have the biggest troop size of any primate in Africa and can move in groups of up to 400.

Challenges

The human population is growing at an alarming rate, while wildlife is shrinking.

Rwanda is still continuing to rebuild long after a decade of war. Besides fixing its infrastructure, it must also deal with one of the most densely populated countries in all of Africa. With more than 11 million people—and growing—it faces challenges of having a population where more than 40% are estimated to be under the age of 15.

Most people live in rural areas in poverty. This generates pressure to take away protected areas and convert it into farmland. It also causes deforestation, as people exploit forest products like bamboo or firewood for fuel.

Rampant poaching of small mammals is a new challenge. Previously, poachers targeted large mammals. But, due to the extinction of buffalo and the elephants in Nyungwe National Park, they have moved on to giant rats and squirrels. People have also destroyed hills and trees after setting fires that spread while they attempted to smoke bees from wild hives.

Projects

Will you show Rwanda your support?

With your help, African Wildlife Foundation can continue vital efforts in Rwanda such as ranger training to help protect the endangered mountain gorillas, eco-lodges, and more. Donate for a cause that will help the people of Rwanda, their land, and wildlife conservation.

Reason #45 to get involved

Due to loss of habitat, deforestation, and hunting, duikers now number less than 15,000. The species population is estimated to have dropped 30% over the past 15 years. Without intervention, this decline shows no sign of reversing.

Reason #62 to get involved

Hippos are highly valued for their fatty meat and ivory tusks, putting them in the crosshairs of hunters and poachers. The Zambia Wildlife Authority and the Lower Zambezi Natural Park rely on African Wildlife Foundation's support to secure the park and protect hippos.

Reason #21 to get involved

African Wildlife Foundation is devoted entirely to, and ever-present in, African wildlife conservation and sustainable development—recognizing and responding to critical threats in a multifaceted way. Help all of Africa, the wildlife, the communities, and the future.